What are the universal forces?

There are four fundamental forces (also known as universal forces). They
are the strong nuclear, electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and gravitational
forces. Each force has a force carrying particle: the gluon (strong
nuclear), the photon (electromagnetic), the boson (weak nuclear), and the
graviton (gravitational).
The strong nuclear force holds quarks together to form protons and
neutrons. The electromagnetic force holds electrons in orbit around an
atom's nucleus and also gives matter its rigidity. The weak nuclear force
is responsible for emission of beta particles in radioactive decay. The
gravitational force also holds matter together, but it is so weak that its
effect is only noticible when large masses are involved (e.g., the
Earth's gravity holding you on the ground).
Physicists are trying to unify all the forces into one. James Maxwell unified the
electrical and magnetic forces into the electromagnetic force. Actually,
the electromagnetic and the weak forces have been unified into what is
called the electroweak force.

Windows to the Universe Community

News

Opportunities

You might also be interested in:

Atoms are composed of a massive, central nucleus surrounded by a swarm of fast-moving electrons. The nucleus is made up of protons and, in most cases, neutrons. Almost all of the mass (more than 99%) of...more

It depends on what kind of motion you are talking about. When seen from the north pole of the celestial sphere all planets orbit around the Sun in a counter-clockwise or direct path. Most planets also...more

Almost everyone has a question or two about living in space. What do astronauts do in space? How do they do everyday things like eat, sleep and go to the bathroom? Well, this is our attempt to answer...more

There is a really neat internet program called Solar System Live that shows the position of all of the planets and the Sun for any given day. If you go to that page, you'll see an image similar to the...more

The picture of the American Flag (the one put there by the Apollo astronauts) is waving (or straight out) in the wind. How could that be possible if there is no atmosphere on the Moon? Was it some sort...more

I was wondering if there is a new planet? Are there planets (a tenth planet?) after Pluto belonging to our solar system? What are the names of the new planets discovered in the solar system? Are there...more

If that is so, the energy released during the Big Bang must have created many such black holes. Therefore most of the Energy of the Big bang must have disappeared in that form. Then how did the Universe...more